Stress Relief Game Apps 2018 - Part 1 - iOS Exclusives

By Anna Hazard

View the Rest of the Series

Part 2 : Android Exclusives
Part 3 : Cross Platform (Challenging)
​Part 4 : Cross Platform (Calming)

Introduction

Here are an assortment of iOS exclusive games for both the iPhone & iPad that have either been newly released or did not fit within the previous categories of our Stress Relief Game Apps (2017) series.
 
The focus here are on calming & relaxing games that offer a bit of entertainment, distraction, or soothing mental stimulation through their interaction, puzzles, or other gameplay elements. All apps are either free to play (some including the the options to upgrade for the removal of ads or more premium content) or have a low cost of $5 or less.

iOS Apps

Petting Cat Oronyain

• iOS | Website (Free)
• A totally free game that originates in Japan, this calming application where the user can pet a cute cartoon cat that reacts by purring and saying soothing & positive phrases. Unlike other pet apps, Oronyain does not require any extended care such as feeding, brushing, or litter box changing.

Sights and Sounds of the Sea Relaxation and Sleep

• iOS | Website (Free with in-app purchases)
• Interact with and change weather patterns & environment pieces such as flowers & birds around various animated lighthouses while listening to the soothing sounds of the sea. Includes both daytime & night time settings, a sleep timer, and options for lighthouses based on real life such as Haceta Head Light in Oregon, USA. Requires a 1 time upgrade of $0.99 to $1.99 to unlock all settings.

Inks

• iOS | Website ($2.99 with in-app purchases)
• A beautiful & mesmerizing take on pinball which generates bursts of color as the pinball moves around the game canvas. Effects can be layered to create unique forms of art. The tactical challenge gradually increases with each level with power-ups available for an additional fee.

hinadan

• iOS (Free)
• A completely free app crafted by an 81 woman in Japan, this game focuses on teaching the background & details of presenting & rearranging traditional dolls for the Japanese festival of Hinamatsuri where parents & grandparents present dolls & more elaborate doll displays for their children. 

Go Particles

• iOS | Website (Free with ads & in-app purchases)
• Control colorful particles through touch using special effects, transformations, chained & merged movements, as well as through the applied use of gravity, bounce, and other dimensions. More particles as well as the removal of all ads are available for a one time upgrade fee of $1.99.

FROST

• iOS | Website ($4.99)
• A soothing puzzle game where you control "spirits" in the form of thousands of colorful particles that must be guided towards their home. Use living walls, gravity holes, fountains of light, as well as various other ways of attraction & interaction in order to solve each level.

Flower

• iOS | Website ($4.99)
• Control the wind by touch & tilt though colorful landscapes including blooming fields, whirling turbines, and peaceful cities,  navigating & interacting with the various changing environments, gorgeous animations, and bright particle effects at your own leisurely pace. Acts as both a puzzle game & artful meditation with a silent story embedded throughout its gameplay